Did you know that dressing your baby all warm and snuggly may sound like the right thing to do, but it may actually be more harmful than helpful?! As much as we want to make sure our little ones are comfortable when they sleep, we also want to make sure they are safe. If your baby gets overheated, there is an increased risk of SIDS. As a certified infant and child sleep consultant, I recommend trying to keep your little one's nursery somewhere between 68-71 degrees. Check out these tidbits from the AAP:
• Do not let your baby get too hot. This helps reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Keep the room where your baby sleeps at a comfortable temperature.
• In general, dress your baby in no more than one extra layer than you would wear. Your baby may be too hot if she is sweating or if her chest feels hot to the touch.
• If you are worried that your baby is cold, use a wearable blanket, such as a sleep sack or warm sleeper that is the right size for your baby. These are made to cover the body and not the head.
• Avoid covering the infant’s head with any materials or fabrics.
Source: Adapted from Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation.(©2011, American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 10/2016)
So, how are we to know what's too hot and what's not when it comes to dressing our little ones for bed? Let me show you! The temperature along the left side is the temperature of your baby's nursery at night...follow along to the right to see what is appropriate for your little one to wear in said temperature.
